Chiropractor Dr Sindi Ludik-Opperman chats about how she helps patients create a happier and healthier lifestyle, one vertebra at a time.<\/p>\n
Sindi-Ludik-Opperman practically grew up in the world of bones, muscles and joints … because she\u2019s always been active and, let\u2019s be honest, prone to sports injuries. So regular visits to chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics were just part of her routine. And it was pretty much a given that she\u2019d end up in the medical field.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always been fascinated with the human body and I\u2019ve also had a strong desire to help others for as long as I can remember. Whether it was an injured friend at school, a team mate on the sports ground or a relative at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the past 14 years, she\u2019s been knee-deep in the world of chiropractic care, where the treating of aches, pains, creaks and strains take centre stage. And it was only a matter of time until she opened her own chiropractic clinic \u2013 the ORTHOlifestyle Centre.<\/p>\n
They are currently four chiropractors, a sports massage therapist, biokineticist and homeopath strong! Oh, and their trusty skeleton model, Adam! The centre also offers oxygen therapy, ice bath therapy, infrared sauna, compression therapy, taping and IV drips.<\/p>\n
Even though Sindi\u2019s got a knack for treating babies and tots, they also help kids, adults, athletes, even animals. Like she always says, \u201cIf you\u2019ve got a spine, we\u2019ve got your back!\u201d
\nWhile most of us just see our bodies as, well, bodies, Sindi looks at them like they\u2019re the most incredible structures made up of all kinds of cells, tissues and organs. And each of these parts has its own thing it\u2019s good at doing. But what really blows her mind is how all these parts work together every day to keep us alive, kicking and feeling good.<\/p>\n
\u201cA challenge a lot of patients face today is the excessive time spent at their desks. Poor ergonomics and postural positions are the leading cause for headaches, neck and back pain. We find it imperative to educate people to ensure they have a proper ergonomic set up and that they get up from their desks on a regular basis.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour body sends out signals when something is wrong. A big mistake people make is to drink medication to numb these signs and symptoms or to think the problem will simply go away. The sooner the cause of a problem is identified and treated the better the prognosis.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/26\/2024\/03\/Sindi-Main-SMALL-267x400.jpg\")
\nWhen Sindi isn\u2019t busy treating spines, you\u2019ll find her spending time with her daughter, 8-year-old Milan and animal chiropractor hubby, Michiel. Add in some close fam and friends around the dinner table, and you\u2019ll totally make her day!<\/p>\n
In fact, her home is her sanctuary \u2013 she just loves painting, interior decorating and listening to music. \u201cBut cooking\u201d, she laughingly admits, \u201cis not my strong suit. My favourite thing to make is a reservation!\u201d<\/p>\n
Sindi\u2019s also a bit OCD \u2013 or as she puts it, CDO (because it should be alphabetical). She finds her zen in cleaning, organising her closet by colour, and labelling absolutely everything with her trusty label maker. And, there\u2019s nothing a good exercise sesh, and perhaps a cup of coffee, or 10!, can\u2019t fix.<\/p>\n
In spite of this, she believes that life shouldn\u2019t be taken too seriously. In fact, she regards her funny bone as one of her best features, adding that \u201claughter is indeed the best medicine\u201d.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s next for Dr Sindi? Well, she\u2019s excited to announce that ORTHOlifestyle recently launched their own product line. Which will only add to an already amazing healing experience at the clinic.<\/p>\n
One thing\u2019s for sure, this friendly doctor with a zest for life is passionate about many things, but to help you live a healthier life clearly tops her list.<\/p>\n
Details: ortholifestyle.co.za or visit ORTHOlifestyle on Facebook and Insta.<\/em><\/p>\n Sindi\u2019s fave smoothie for muscle and joint health<\/strong> To make:<\/em> Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour… and enjoy! You can also add a scoop of collagen powder and 1 Tbsp flaxseed oil and\/or probiotic<\/p>\n Sindi\u2019s top chiropractic tips<\/strong> Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. \u2022 Photographer: HILDA MANS<\/a>. \u2022 Make-up: HEIDIE FOURIE<\/a>. \u2022 Hair: JANINE LATEGAN<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Chiropractor Dr Sindi Ludik-Opperman chats about how she helps patients create a happier and healthier lifestyle, one vertebra at a time. Sindi-Ludik-Opperman practically grew up in the world of bones, muscles and joints … because she\u2019s always been active and, let\u2019s be honest, prone to sports injuries. So regular visits to chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":19716,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,20],"tags":[7128,8130,8131,3542,8128,6521,8134,671,2207,7341,163,7001,8129,4077,3809,8127,8132,8133],"class_list":{"0":"post-19713","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-personalities","9":"tag-alanicka-lotriet","10":"tag-back","11":"tag-bones","12":"tag-career","13":"tag-chiropractor","14":"tag-contact","15":"tag-details","16":"tag-get-it","17":"tag-help","18":"tag-job","19":"tag-love","20":"tag-magazine","21":"tag-ortholifestyle-centre","22":"tag-passion","23":"tag-pretoria","24":"tag-sindi-ludik-opperman","25":"tag-spine","26":"tag-stretch"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nYou\u2019ll need<\/em>: \u00bd Cup plain non-fat Greek yoghurt; 1 cup almond milk; 1 banana; 1 cup strawberries; 1 Tbsp chia seeds; \u00bd tsp vanilla extract<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity frequently contributes to soft tissue damage and osteoarthritis – a progressive \u2018wear-and-tear\u2019 disease of the joints. The impact of obesity is especially felt in weight bearing joints such as the hip and knee joints.
\n\u2022 Follow a healthy diet. Include foods containing Calcium (for increased bone density), Magnesium (for muscle spasm and pain) and Omega-3 (to reduce inflammation and pain)
\n\u2022 Take a joint formula or collagen supplement and Vitamin D. A joint formula containing chondroitin and glucosamine provides support for normal and healthy joint function. Collagen is rich in amino acids for healthy joint cartilage. Vitamin D reduces inflammation, modulate processes such as cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and glucose metabolism.
\n\u2022 Exercise therapy should be a combination of cardiovascular exercise, resistance and weight training. Cardiovascular exercise improves metabolism and weight loss, reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep, increases stamina and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Resistance and weight training improves muscle strength and bone density
\n\u2022 Stretch. Stretching keeps your muscles flexible, strong, and healthy and we need that flexibility to maintain range of motion in the joints
\n\u2022 Drink enough water. Water is a component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and cushions the joints and cartilage. It also helps cartilage keep its sponginess.
\n\u2022 Ensure your mattress and pillow offer enough support. I recommend that patients sleep on their sides. A good pillow and mattress support the body by keeping your shoulders, hips, knees and spine aligned. This reduces strain on the body and allows you to relax and rest comfortably.<\/p>\n